The Nexus of Tradition and Scripture: A Critical Examination through Yeshua
Navigating the Tension

Jeff A. Friedlander

 

Traditions are powerful. They shape how we live, how we worship, and how we connect with others. At their best, they help us remember what matters most. They can build community, provide structure, and create continuity from one generation to the next. But not all traditions are created equal—and not all of them are helpful.

Some traditions uplift and reinforce what G-d has revealed in His Word. Others, though, can slowly drift away from their original purpose, becoming empty rituals or even obstacles to genuine faith. In some cases, they can carry so much authority in a community that they start to rival—or even replace—G-d’s actual commands.

This tension isn’t new. Yeshua (Jesus) often found Himself in conflict with the religious leaders of His day, not because He disregarded G-d’s instructions, but because He challenged human traditions that had been elevated above them. Many of His sharpest words weren’t directed at "sinners" but at those who clung tightly to customs that distorted the heart of the Torah.

Most people don’t stop to question the traditions they’ve inherited. We grow up with them, absorb them into our rhythms, and rarely ask why we do what we do. And when we do start asking, it can feel unsettling—because traditions are often deeply tied to our identity, our families, our faith communities, and even our sense of belonging.

But maybe the real danger isn’t in questioning traditions—it’s in never questioning them at all.

What if some of the customs we’ve accepted without a second thought are actually getting in the way of deeper obedience, clearer understanding, or a more intimate relationship with G-d? And what if some traditions that seem unnecessary or outdated actually carry wisdom we’ve forgotten?

In this article, we’re going to explore the role of tradition from a biblical perspective. How do we know which customs are valuable and which aren’t? How do we honor the past without becoming bound by it? And most importantly: How do we hold every tradition—Jewish, Christian, cultural, or personal—up to the light of Scripture?

Let’s dive in.

Biblical and Extra-Biblical Traditions: What's the Difference?

Before we can evaluate whether a tradition is valuable, we need first to understand what kind of tradition we’re talking about. Not all traditions carry the same weight. Some are explicitly commanded by G-d. Others were created by people—for good reasons, perhaps, but still man-made.

Biblical Traditions: Commands Meant to Be Remembered

Some traditions come directly from the mouth of G-d. These aren’t just good ideas or cultural customs—they’re divine instructions. In fact, many of G-d’s commands were designed to become traditions so that His people would remember who He is and what He has done.

Think about Passover. G-d didn’t just rescue Israel from Egypt and leave it at that. He said:

Exodus 12:14, TLV

“This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to keep it as a feast to Adonai; throughout your generations you are to keep it as an eternal ordinance.”

Passover became a yearly tradition not because Moses thought it was a good idea, but because G-d commanded it. The same is true for Shabbat (Sabbath), the Feast of Tabernacles, and other Moadim (appointed times). These traditions are rooted in G-d’s own rhythm and instruction—and they still hold meaning today.

In the Apostolic Writings (New Testament), we see similar patterns. Yeshua gave His disciples specific instructions during His last Passover meal. He broke bread and shared wine, saying:

Luke 22:19

“Do this in memory of Me.”

That’s not just sentiment—it’s instruction. He was anchoring His followers to something tangible, something they would do regularly to remember His sacrifice. That’s tradition grounded in divine authority.

Extra-Biblical Traditions: Man-Made, Not Necessarily Bad

Now, let’s talk about another category: traditions that aren’t commanded in Scripture, but have developed over time. These can be Jewish, Christian, cultural, or even personal.

For example:

Lighting Shabbat candles isn’t in the Torah, but it’s a long-standing Jewish custom that adds beauty and intention to welcoming the Shabbat (Sabbath).

The Jewish Seder meal for Passover includes many elements (like the shank bone, the parsley and the four cups) that aren't detailed in Exodus—but they enrich the storytelling.

Christian customs such as Advent calendars or Christmas Eve services aren’t in the Bible either, but many believers use them to focus on the coming of the Messiah.

Even something as familiar as membership in a local fellowship is a tradition based on some scripture (Acts 2:41, 47; 1 Cor. 12:27), but it is certainly not commanded.

These kinds of traditions can be incredibly meaningful. They help us pause, remember, and celebrate. They can reinforce biblical truths, connect generations, and invite us into deeper reflection.

But here’s the key question: Are they helping us follow G-d more closely—or are they adding burdens He never asked us to carry?

What Did Yeshua Say About Tradition?

Yeshua (Jesus) entered a vibrant Jewish world, steeped in a rich tapestry of traditions, both those explicitly derived from the Torah and those developed by human interpretation and practice. By the first century CE, Jewish religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees, had cultivated an elaborate system of oral traditions. These traditions, known as the Oral Torah or Halakha, were initially intended to serve as a "fence around the Torah," helping individuals meticulously observe G-d's commandments. While many were well-intentioned and sought to facilitate obedience, Yeshua frequently highlighted instances where these human traditions had overstepped their boundaries.

A prime example is documented in Mark 7, where the Pharisees confront Yeshua because His disciples neglected the traditional hand-washing ritual before eating. This was not a matter of hygiene but an adherence to a man-made tradition that had become a hallmark of spiritual rectitude and purity within certain Jewish circles. Yeshua’s response was direct and incisive:

Mark 7:8, TLV

"You leave behind the commandment of G-d to hold on to the tradition of men." 

He then provided a poignant illustration: the practice of korban. This loophole allowed individuals to dedicate money or property to G-d, thereby nullifying their filial obligation to use those resources to care for their aging parents. This was a religious workaround that directly contravened G-d's explicit command to "honor your father and mother" (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16). Yeshua did not merely express disagreement; He unequivocally identified the consequence:

Mark 7:13

"Thus you nullify the word of G-d with your tradition that you’ve handed down." 

This encapsulates the inherent danger: when human tradition supersedes, contradicts, or otherwise diminishes the authority and application of G-d's revealed Word, it becomes problematic. Yeshua's willingness to confront such instances underscores the paramount importance of divine revelation over human invention.

However, it is crucial to recognize that Yeshua did not universally reject all forms of tradition or custom. He consistently participated in established Jewish practices that were consistent with the Torah. For instance, He maintained the custom of attending the synagogue on Shabbat and engaging with the prophetic readings (Luke 4:16-17). This demonstrates a nuanced approach, distinguishing between traditions that uphold divine commands and those that undermine them.

Tzitzit

A further consideration regarding the development of customs can be observed in the biblical command to wear tzitzit (fringes). Numbers 15:37-41 explicitly instructs the Israelites to wear these tassels on the four corners of their garments as a visual reminder of G-d's commandments, encouraging them to remain faithful rather than "spying out their own heart" (a more literal translation of the Hebrew implying following one's own desires). As time, geography, and culture evolved, the Jewish people continued this practice, and Yeshua Himself would have worn tzitzit. Significantly, the scripture does not specify the precise length, style, or specific times for wearing tzitzit. Consequently, customs developed to provide continuity and unity in their observance. There is no scriptural record of Yeshua dismissing or criticizing the wearing of tzitzit itself. His critique was directed at the Pharisees who ostentatiously wore "extra long" tzitzit (Matthew 23:5), thereby drawing attention to themselves rather than facilitating the command's original purpose of remembering G-d. This illustrates how a command, with its associated customs, could be distorted to promote self-aggrandizement instead of glorifying G-d. The lesson here is not to abandon the command, but to ensure that our customs and practices do not contradict its intent or become the primary focus.

Pagan Origin

Another argument sometimes leveraged for the wholesale abandonment of customs and traditions posits that if a tradition originated from or shares similarities with pagan rituals, it is inherently flawed and must be discarded. However, this argument overlooks the pervasive nature of certain human practices. For example, the tying of tassels on garments predates the Israelite command, appearing in various ancient pagan cultures. Similarly, prayer, including written and repeated prayers, is a ubiquitous practice across all religions, pagan and otherwise. Singing in worship is also a common element in the reverence of various deities. Even the structural design of the Tabernacle, given by G-d to Moses, shared architectural parallels with temples used in ancient pagan cultures, including Egypt. The critical point is that the mere presence of a similar practice in a pagan context does not inherently invalidate its use in the worship of the one true G-d.

The litmus test remains twofold: the custom or tradition must not conflict with biblical teaching, and it must not become a replacement for the explicit commands of G-d. Ultimately, our customs and traditions should serve as aids to better follow and serve G-d, rather than becoming ends in themselves.

Yeshua’s issue wasn’t with tradition itself—it was with the elevation of human tradition above G-d’s commands.

So How Should We Evaluate Traditions Today?

We live in a world overflowing with traditions—religious, cultural, denominational, and even family-specific. Some of them inspire us. Some confuse us. And some… just weigh us down.

So, how do we know if a tradition is valuable or not?

Here are some guiding questions to help us discern:

  1. Is it Scriptural or Scripturally aligned?

    • Does this tradition support, echo, or illustrate something found in Scripture?

    • Or does it distort, contradict, or distract from the truth?

  1. Does it point us toward G-d—or away from Him?

    • Is this tradition helping me remember who G-d is and what He’s done?

    • Or is it keeping me busy with ritual, but empty in spirit?

  1. Does it serve people—or control them?

    • Is this tradition a tool that helps people grow in faith and community?

    • Or has it become a measuring stick for judgment or spiritual status?

  1. Is it bearing good fruit?

    • Does it foster love, joy, peace, humility, and unity?

    • Or does it lead to pride, division, confusion, or control?

  1. Is it elevating man’s voice or G-d’s Word?

    • Are we doing this because “we’ve always done it this way”?

    • Or because it reflects and honors what G-d has actually said?

Traditions can be beautiful gifts. But they’re never meant to replace the Giver.

When we root our customs in Scripture—and stay open to the Ruach haKodesh (the Holy Spirit’s) leading—we can embrace traditions that give life, not take it away. And when we find traditions that don’t line up? We’re free to let them go, realign them, or redeem them.

That’s the freedom Yeshua came to bring—not just freedom from sin, but freedom to walk faithfully, without the weight of man-made religion.

A Personal Challenge: Embrace What Is Good, Let Go of What Is Not

Traditions are powerful. They shape how we see the world, how we relate to G-d, and how we pass on values to the next generation. But like anything powerful, they must be handled with care.

Yeshua’s message wasn’t “get rid of all traditions.” It was: Don’t let tradition become more important than truth. Don’t cling to customs if they cause you to miss the heart of G-d.

Reflect and Respond

Here are some questions to help you reflect more deeply:

  1. What traditions do you practice—personally, in your family, or in your community—that help you remember and honor G-d’s faithfulness?

  2. Are there any traditions you follow more out of habit or pressure than conviction? Why do you keep them?

  3. Have you ever experienced a tradition that conflicted with what Scripture teaches? How did you respond?

  4. What new traditions could you start to help pass on the story of G-d to the next generation?

  5. How can you honor both the Word of G-d and the cultural heritage you’ve received—without letting one override the other?

Final Word: The Heart Over the Habit

Traditions are not the enemy. But they are not the foundation either.

The foundation is the Word of G-d. And the heart of our faith is a living relationship with Him—one where we walk in truth, love, and humility.

May we be people who honor the past, walk in the truth, and point the way forward—passing on not just rituals, but revelation… not just habits, but hope… not just customs, but covenant.

Let our traditions tell the story of G-d’s goodness—and never take the place of it.

 

Appendix

For those wishing to delve deeper into this topic, we've compiled a list of resources.

 Important Disclaimer: Please note that the inclusion of these resources does not constitute a complete endorsement of every viewpoint or statement they contain. Our intent in sharing them is to offer diverse perspectives and opportunities for further study. As always, we urge you to exercise discernment, consult multiple trusted sources, and align all information with the unchanging Word of God.

  • For the Oral Torah and Pharisees: Neusner, Jacob. Judaism: The Classical Statement. The Evidence of the Bavli. University of Chicago Press, 1985. (A foundational scholar on rabbinic Judaism).

  • Schiffman, Lawrence H. From Text to Tradition: A History of Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism. Ktav Publishing House, 1991. (Provides good context on the development of Jewish law and tradition).

  • Sanders, E. P. Paul and Palestinian Judaism: A Comparison of Patterns of Religion. Fortress Press, 1977. (While focused on Paul, it offers excellent insights into first-century Judaism and the role of tradition).

  • For Korban: Theological Dictionaries: Consult reliable theological dictionaries (e.g., Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis) for entries on "Korban" or "Vows." These will often provide historical and theological context.

  • For Tzitzit and Jewish Customs: The Jewish Encyclopedia: Online resources like the Jewish Encyclopedia provide historical and theological details on various Jewish customs.

  • Modern Jewish Scholarship: Works on Jewish law (Halakha) and customs will elaborate on the development of tzitzit practices.

  • For the “Pagan Origin” Argument: Biblical Archaeology: Resources from biblical archaeology can shed light on ancient Near Eastern practices and their parallels (or divergences) with Israelite customs and worship.

  • Comparative Religion Texts: Academic texts on comparative religion can help illustrate the shared elements of human religious expression across cultures, while also highlighting the unique aspects of biblical faith.